HotelsMag January/February 2025 | Page 77

Prague ’ s venerable Grand Hotel Evropa is now W Prague , which marks the Marriott International brand ’ s entry into the Czech Republic .

The Art Nouveau-style hotel was originally built in 1872 in the Neo-Renaissance style before being redesigned and renamed in 1889 . Located on Wenceslas Square , the hotel was rebuilt in the Geometric Art Nouveau style between 1903 and 1905 and was eventually nationalized and renamed Grand Hotel Evropa in 1951 . Following years of neglect and disrepair , the hotel was restituted in 1989 and has since changed hands several times .
In 2016 , Prague Prime Home Management acquired the hotel from entrepreneur Václav Skala and began reconstructing the hotel into a luxury property .
The hotel , which has appeared in several films , is famed for its façade and ornate interiors and has hosted Prague ’ s elite in the early 20th century . Novelist and writer Franz Kafka reportedly held his only literary reading in Prague at the hotel in 1912 .
The W Prague revitalization now has a configuration of 161 rooms , including 23 suites , the signature W Lounge , rooftop bar with views of the city and a spa . Architects Benoy and design firm AvroKO ’ s London Studio , in collaboration with local design firm Chapman Taylor , have reimagined the hotel , while drawing inspiration from the original building ’ s Art Nouveau roots and Prague ’ s
A W King Room , here and above .
culture . The atrium has also been restored and features stucco details from 1905 and illustrations from 1925 , along with a crystal installation by Preciosa Lighting and Pavla Doležalová .
A nine-story modern elliptical shaped wing , designed by architectural studio DAM , has been added
to the property . A corridor connects the heritage building and the new wing , which is inspired by elements of a magical garden .
“ As we debut W Prague , we ’ re not just opening a new hotel , we are breathing new life into one of the city ’ s most iconic landmarks ,” said George Fleck , SVP and global brand
leader , W Hotels . “ W Prague fuses the enchanted history of the storied destination with bold , visionary design , creating an experience that both honors the city ’ s deep cultural legacy and embraces its vibrant , modern energy . This opening is a further representation of W Hotels ’ momentum in Europe and beyond .”
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